Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, during a two-day working visit to the Slovak Republic on September 5th and 6th, 2024, met with the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, in Bratislava on Friday. In addition to discussing bilateral political and economic relations, they also addressed cooperation within the European framework and current global events.
Both ministers expressed mutual satisfaction with the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries, which, as they emphasized, are reflected in continuous bilateral contacts and meetings, as well as in the partnership between the two nations within the European Union and NATO. Speaking on Croatia's fulfilment of its remaining strategic foreign policy goal, OECD membership, Grlić Radman thanked his colleague for Slovakia's support in achieving this goal. The counterparts also expressed satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation in the political sphere, as well as with the growing economic cooperation, highlighting that there is room for progress and the intensification of economic relations in many areas.
"We have a shared interest in further strengthening economic cooperation, and there is significant potential in various sectors, especially in the field of energy," Grlić Radman said. The ministers agreed that cooperation in this area is of great importance for both countries, particularly in light of the current geopolitical situation, where ensuring the stability and security of gas and oil supplies is critical. In this context, Grlić Radman presented strategic investments in the development of Croatia’s energy infrastructure and expressed Croatia's readiness to enhance cooperation with partner countries.
"Energy security and the stability of gas and oil supplies are of great importance for both Slovakia and Croatia in the current geopolitical situation. Croatia is a reliable transit country for the transport of crude oil, and we are ready to offer very reliable alternative supply options for crude oil to our European partner countries," he said.
During the continuation of the meeting, Grlić Radman and Blanár discussed the position of the Croatian minority in Slovakia and the Slovak minority in Croatia, which, as they noted, form an important link between the two countries. Discussing cooperation within the European Union, they confirmed the alignment of their positions on key issues, such as EU enlargement, policies towards the Western Balkans, and the importance of ensuring the stability and security of the entire European continent. The ministers also exchanged views on the importance of continuing to provide aid and support to Ukraine, as well as on the necessity of reaching an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the region.
During his visit to Slovakia, Grlić Radman held a series of meetings and discussions. On Thursday, the first day of his stay in Bratislava, he visited the Museum of Croatian Culture in the Bratislava municipality of Devínska Nová Ves, where he met with Radoslav Jankovič, the president of the Croatian Cultural Association in Slovakia, and members of the Croatian national minority.
As part of his visit to this municipality, accompanied by its mayor, Dárius Krajčír, Grlić Radman toured Vukovar Street, which has borne that name since 2019 in honour of the Croatian city of heroes. On this occasion, the minister expressed his gratitude to the local authorities and the Croatian community for their efforts in preserving cultural heritage and Croatian identity in Slovakia, emphasizing that the Croatian community in Slovakia strengthens the mutual ties between the two countries through their work and activities.
On Friday, Grlić Radman met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, with whom he discussed current international affairs, including the situation of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the importance of continued cooperation with the Holy See.
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